Overview

Master of Social Work Program at the University of New Hampshire

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree program at the University of New Hampshire trains students to assist individuals and families in realizing their full potential. Its advanced generalist curriculum emphasizes strength-based and empowerment models, provides a social and community systems perspective, and promotes practice skills that address diversity issues.

The program, which has accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, can be completed in 1 to 2 years of full-time study and 3 to 4 years of part-time study. The full-time program consists of the traditional 2-year program, a 1-year Advanced Standing program, or a 28-month online program (http://mswonline.unh.edu) that allows students to complete coursework online and field internships in their local area.

The part-time program is offered at the Durham and Manchester campuses or online.

M.S.W. Curriculum

The M.S.W. degree program curriculum consists of 62 credits of advanced generalist core and elective courses, as well as 2 field internships that involve 1,100 hours of work. Fields of practice concentrations include addictions and substance abuse; children, youth and families; disability; and health and mental health.

The Advanced Standing program is designed for students who have earned bachelor degrees in social work within the last 5 years, or who have completed 1 year of a 2-year accredited M.S.W. degree program at another institution. The program's curriculum contains a minimum of 35 credits including a 10-week summer practicum and seminar.

M.S.W./M.S. in Kinesiology Program

The M.S.W./M.S. in Kinesiology (concentration in outdoor education) program consists of at least 77 credits and can be completed in 2.5 years. Students take courses in social work and kinesiology simultaneously. They also complete 2 internships and advanced research papers.

Students graduate with the skills needed to practice adventure therapy in several settings including wilderness therapy programs, therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, public and private schools, transitional independent living and young adult programs, and adult treatment programs. More information about this dual degree can be found by visiting http://chhs.unh.edu/sw/master-social-work-and-adventure-therapy-ms.

M.S.W./Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Program

The M.S.W./J.D. program, which can be completed in 4 years, consists of 87 credits of law courses, and 62 credits of social work courses. The program is ideal for individuals who want to pursue careers that require training in law and social work, especially those that address pressing social issues such as domestic violence, gender bias and discrimination, and immigration.

Upon graduation, students are fully-prepared to work in the attorney general's office; county attorney offices; government agencies in the areas of child protection; disability; mental health, health care, education, welfare, and corrections; non-profit organizations; advocacy organizations; and other organizations. More information about this dual degree can be found by visiting http://chhs.unh.edu/sw/juris-doctoratemaster-social-work.

M.S.W. Experienced Faculty Members

M.S.W. students learn from faculty members who are accomplished practitioners, researchers, and teachers.

For example, Professor Jerry Marx served as the executive director of a community-based agency; Melissa Wells is a Carsey Institute Scholar in Residence; Patrick Shannon is a respected scholar and an experienced Maternal and Child Health-Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities faculty; Anita Tucker is a respected scholar regarding adventure-based therapy and coordinates the dual-degree program in social work and outdoor education.

In addition, Professor Matthew Toms has 15 years of direct practice experience in a number of settings and practice areas. He also has activist, professional, research, and volunteer experience in development, human rights advocacy, and relief work throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more about UNH's accomplished Social Work faculty by visiting http://chhs.unh.edu/faculty/sw.

Social Work Research at the University of New Hampshire

Faculty members' research contributes to social work education and practice as well as the welfare of people and communities. Their research interests include adolescent development, adolescent victimization, adoption, child welfare, community and administrative practice, elder abuse, families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inequality, violence against women, and program efficacy.

Financial Aid at the University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers grants, teaching and research assistantships, and federal work-study and loan programs to M.S.W. program students.

Career Opportunities in Social Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for social workers are expected to grow by 25% through 2020, which is faster than the average of all occupations.

M.S.W. program students at the University of New Hampshire acquire the training required to meet this demand. As highly-skilled professionals, they may pursue careers in administration, direct service, or social policy and planning.

They are equipped to work in many areas including child or adult protective services, child welfare, clinical social work, criminal justice, education, family services, gerontology, health care, and mental health. Furthermore, they may work in rural and urban environments at agencies, businesses, community centers, clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

The University of New Hampshire (UNH)

Established in 1866, the University of New Hampshire has land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant charters. It offers nearly 15,000 students more than 100 majors and over 130 graduate programs.

UNH is well-regarded for excellence in teaching and research. "U.S. News and World Report" ranks the University of New Hampshire as 1 of the top 100 national universities and 1 of the top 50 public universities. Additionally, "Forbes" ranks the university as one of the top schools in the northeast.

Campus Community

UNH's main campus is in Durham, New Hampshire, in the northeastern region of the United States. It also has campuses in Concord and Manchester, New Hampshire.

The University's campuses provide welcoming environments that meet the academic and social needs of a diverse student body. The picturesque Durham campus, with its beautiful lawns and cozy groves, offers many social opportunities including intercollegiate athletics, recreational programs, spirited events, student organizations, and community service.

Durham, New Hampshire

A seacoast city, Durham has a variety of shops, eateries, arts and cultural institutions, parks and recreational activities, and festivals and special events. It is 1 hour south of the White Mountains and its plethora of outdoor activities. Furthermore, it is just 1 hour north of historic Boston, which is accessible by train.